One of the hottest topics of debate in K-Pop in recent times has been the topic of BTS and enlistment. Over the past few years, the media and netizens have watched the government discuss whether the group should enlist without focusing on the members’ own views.

On October 17, Jin made headlines worldwide when it was announced that he wouldn’t be delaying his enlistment any longer.

Following the announcement, the idol was praised after it was revealed that the idol had canceled the request to delay his enlistment and would be following government protocol after the release of his single.

One of the hottest debates while the topic was being discussed focused on the ability of BTS to perform. For many, the group has been seen as a huge contributor to revenue in Korea. Yet, it seems like that recommendation is still being considered by politicians, and it’s being met with negative reactions from ARMYs.

On October 18, the Ministry of Defence held its regular briefing, and it wasn’t surprising that the topic of BTS’s enlistment came up. During the briefing, Col. Moon Hong Sik, the ministry’s acting spokesperson, commented on the possibility of BTS still performing while enlisting.

He said that: "Our position is that we will provide an opportunity if they wish to participate when there is a national-level event for the public good or an event designed in light of the national interest".

When the report was released, ARMYs shared their anger at the statement. Those enlisted cannot earn money from schedules. So if BTS performed together, they wouldn’t be able to gain anything from it, but many believe the government may be able to capitalize on the group economically:

- i really hate the way the government keeps trying to frame this as them somehow doing bts a favour when it's just them wanting to still use bts for events so they can get money out of them while still making them serve

- Give your footballer & classic musicians this chance. Bts doesn't need it

- Not only has the government left the BTS indecisive for years but now they want to profit as well. All this is shameful you have exempted athletes that no one knows but they who have fans all over the globe no ... this really sucks

- This gives me let me continue to cash in on your earnings while I continue to exploit you vibes. Shameless

- Trying to milk money because they decide to go their own way. I have no words for the govt

- Afraid to let bts serve in peace bc no bts = no profit. Pls don't do that to BTS!!!

For many, it showcased the greed of the government and also a way to try and capitalize on the group even though Jin had made a decision to enlist not wait for their decision. Others also pointed out that the government could give BTS a break when enlisted rather than having to perform alongside their active duties:

- They could leave them alone and let them serve in peace but instead they’re milking them regardless…

- No please. Let's them serve in military in peace without these obligations

- LEAVE THEM ALONE

- Genuinely asking, can they just consider them as normal citizens doing the mandatory military service? I know we’re all expecting them getting special treatment during their enlistment but leave them alone? They’re not SK’s money machine ?

- PLEASE LEAVE THEM ALONE !!!!! .... THEY'VE MADE UP THEIR DECISION. LET THEM SERVE THE COUNTRY IN PEACE...

- Just leave them alone im swear to God ??

- Let them serve in peace. If yall wanna treat them like a normal citizen, they let them serve like any other normal citizen. Go reach out to your classical musicians and athletes.

- This is hilarious if it wasn’t so sad. Not even a day after the announcement. Now we know why they didn’t want to give them the exemption. I hope Hybe can protect them. But if the government don’t want bad press they should think carefully about the biggest army in the world ?

- The thing is, since BTS members are enlisting LIKE EVERY OTHER CITIZEN IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH KOREA, they'd like to give the full attention and focus on serving the nation which might NOT include "public good' events", so NO THANK YOU.

Of course, it isn’t rare for idols to perform whilst in the army. Recently, members of SF9 and ONF have gained attention for their performances while enlisted, while many others have joined the military band or performed in musicals while enlisted. Yet, for many ARMYs, it’s the fact that the government has elongated the process of the enlistment decision by treating BTS as a product to benefit Korea and tourism.

Even straight after the news of the group’s enlistment plans was revealed, media outlets were announcing that the government already had plans to make concessions for the group to perform. The headline, “We are planning for a way for [BTS] to perform together after enlisting,” appeared on a news outlet and raised anger.

The topic of BTS’s enlistment has been hot for many years. After Jin and BTS made the decision to enlist and not delay, ARMYs believed the government was trying to find any way to allow the group to perform. Yet, the phrase”national interest” was said in a way that made ARMYs think that it would only be to benefit the government.